Teachers hold the keys to a better future for all. They inspire, challenge and empower innovative and responsible global citizens. They get children into school, keep them there and help them learn. Every day, they help to build the inclusive knowledge societies we need for tomorrow and the century ahead. On this World Teachers’ Day, we join forces to thank teachers and to call for more, better trained and supported teachers. Nothing can replace a good teacher. Evidence shows that teachers, their professional knowledge and skills are the most important factor for quality education. This requires stronger training upfront and continual professional development and support, to enhance performance and learning outcomes. We know this and yet, far too often, teachers remain under-qualified and poorly paid, with low status, and excluded from education policy matters and decisions that concern and affect them. And there are far too few of them today. At the global level, some 5.24 million teachers need to be recruited in order to reach the goal of universal primary education by 2015 -- 1.58 million new recruits and 3.66 million to replace those leaving the profession. The challenge goes beyond numbers – more teachers must mean better quality learning, through appropriate training and support. This is essential for ensuring every learner’s right to quality education – especially, to reach the 57 million children of primary school age currently out of school. At current pace, we estimate that 49 percent of these children will never enter school, while 28 percent will start school late – 54 percent of them are girls. Equally worrying is the low level of learning. An estimated 250 million children are failing to learn to read and write by the time they reach the age for grade 4. Approximately half of these children are in school. The access and learning crisis must be urgently addressed.

Learning is not possible without professional, well trained, well supported, accountable and valued teachers. Teachers are the central solution to the learning crisis, and yet too many are poorly trained and poorly supported – often disconnected from the policy decisions that affect them. Teachers are central to the provision of safe and supportive learning environments, and yet too any of them are teaching in circumstances of extreme hardship, emergencies and even attacks. There are however, also bright parts to the picture. We have seen a range of efforts to improve teacher status -- through teacher professionalization and certification schemes, incentives for service in remote or disadvantaged communities, minimum wage laws, career development models, continued professional development, support to female teachers deployed in remote locations, peer-to-peer support and inter-generational mentoring, recognition awards and incentive for teacher progression, raising admission standards for teacher training programmes, public awareness campaigns, free training and recruitment bonuses. All of these practices ensure equality and quality and make a real difference to learning outcomes; they must be scaled up and taken forward. This is where effective international action is essential, in support of national efforts to bolster teachers and education institutions, and improve the education opportunities of all children. All of this work must ensure that teachers’ pay and conditions reflect a commitment to delivering high quality education by a qualified and motivated teaching work force. This is why teachers stand at the heart of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Global Education First Initiative to make sure every child goes to school, receives a quality education, and develops a new sense of global citizenship. This is our call for teachers today. Join us in thanking and supporting the teachers we have and in recruiting new women and men, to shape more effective education systems and prepare young people and adults for active and responsible participation in society. There is no stronger foundation for lasting peace and sustainable development than a quality education provided by well trained, valued, supported and motivated teachers. The education of future generations hangs in the balance unless we can rise to the challenge of putting the best possible teacher in every classroom.

The supply of teachers is
failing to keep pace with the demand for primary education. According to
the latest UIS data, the world needs to create 1.6 million new teaching
posts by 2015 in order to reach universal primary education, while
replacing 5.2 million teachers leaving the profession.

The situation is most
extreme in sub-Saharan Africa, where the school-aged population
continues to rise. More than 900,000 new primary school teachers are
required by 2015.

Sunday, 29 September 2013

On
World Heart Day(Sept. 29), the Pan American Health Organization/World
Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is urging the adoption of healthy living habits
during childhood to prevent heart disease and other health problems in later
life.

Cardiovascular
diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, are the leading cause of death
worldwide and in most countries of the Americas, where they claim some 1.9
million lives each year. Following a healthy diet, engaging in physical
activity, and avoiding tobacco use can prevent these diseases.

Heart disease
prevention begins with breastfeeding and continues with healthy nutrition,
eating more vegetables, fruits and other unprocessed foods while limiting salt,
avoiding trans fats, sugars and tobacco and doing physical activity throughout
one’s life.

Obesity,
which is on the rise in children, is a leading risk factor for premature illness
and death in adults. “If the pattern continues, we will have more and more
people suffering from diabetes and hypertention at earlier ages,” said Pedro
Orduñez, PAHO advisor on prevention and control of chronic diseases. “Before,
we saw obesity-related diabetes at 60 or 70 years of age. Now we’re seeing it
in people who are 40 or 50 years old.”

Saturday, 28 September 2013

A small sampling of events now planned for World Rivers Day 2013. Many more important events are coming up such as the 16th International River Symposium in Brisbane, Australia in the days leading up to World Rivers Day. This is being coordinated by the International River Foundation. Many additional events will be listed in future updates in the weeks ahead... please let us know of your plans.

We encourage you to take part in an event in your area (or plan your own), and we wish all the organizers around the world much luck in the success of their ambitious celebrations!

Iraq - Nature Iraq Foundation, together with Nature Iraq and Waterkeepers Iraq, plans to recreate a journey down the Tigris River, starting in southeastern Turkey and traveling through Iraq, using traditional boats and vessels in order to document and bring awareness to the myriad threats facing not only the timeless waters of the Tigris but also the unique cultural heritage of Mesopotamia. The event will start on September 15 and conclude around World Rivers Day. The project strives to connect conservation issues with daily life and enable people to take action. Contact - info@ni-foundation.org or Pete Nichols at Waterkeeper Alliance (212-747-0622).

Australia - World Rivers Day Events throughout AustraliaNumerous World Rivers Day events are being planned in river catchments across Australia. In keeping with the original concept, International River Foundation is promoting World Rivers Day throughout its global network, and for the third year in a row, is developing an Australian focused campaign. They are also coordinating a major World Rivers Day photo contest. Email patricia@riverfoundation.org.au to learn more about how the IRF can help with World Rivers Day events for all regions of Australia.

Carinthia, Austria - Children’s River Event in Ferlach ParishOn September 27th, 72 children of the elementary school in Ferlach will spend the day learning and experiencing various interesting things about water in general and rivers in specific. There will be up to eight stations with different core water themes: power, painting, plants, quiz, circulation, taste, experiments and rescue. There will also be a river cleaning contest, where the children who find the most pieces of garbage can win prizes and a little money for their grade in school. The event will take place between 8:30 am and 1 pm. For more information, please contact Katharina Rohner,katharina.rohner@arco.at

New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada - RiverFest - a celebration of BC & World Rivers DayJoin us Friday, September 27 (4 to 9) and Saturday, September 28 (11 to 6). Inspired by the river, RiverFest will be presented free to the public and will consist of art exhibits, interactive activities from conservation organizations and community groups that build upon the river and environmental themes. Live music and entertainment will complete the weekend offerings for an exciting, family-friendly festival atmosphere. For more information, visit our website at: http://www.fraserriverdiscovery.org/

Belize - World Rivers Day event in BelizeA World Rivers Day event will be coordinated in Belize in celebration of the country’s great rivers. Contact Kenrick Theus for details – kenricktheus@consultant.com

Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada - World Rivers Day Gala Event at Burnaby Village Museum and Surrounding Site. Burnaby will celebrate World Rivers Day in a major way with a gala event at the Burnaby Village Museum, which is bisected by the beautiful Deer Lake Brook. There will be a large array of attractions for young and old – and, along with the many attractions and interpretive displays already on site, there will be live birds of prey, a children’s fishing pond, face painting, music, entertainment of various sorts, a special “living with coyotes” presentation, children’s activities, streamside habitat restoration demonstrations amongst many other fun things to do. Come enjoy a stroll through Burnaby’s marvellous past, a community that has long focused on the many waterways within its midst; its lakes, streams and the great Fraser River that it borders. Open from 11 to 4:30. Contact – Lynda Maeve at lyndamaeve.orr@burnaby.ca

Washington, DC, United States - Paddle for the PotomacWaterkeeper Alliance SPLASH Paddle for the Potomac to benefit Potomac Riverkeeper. As part of the 2nd Annual Waterkeeper Alliance Splash Series, join us at Key Bridge Boathouse for an afternoon of on the water fun! The event will revolve around paddling in all of its forms, from canoeing, to kayaking, to stand-up paddleboarding. Come down for an informal paddling opportunity, to watch skill demonstrations, or take part in an organized activity led by a local outfitter or certified instructor. We will have food, music, and other on the land activities to enjoy also! Saturday, September 21st, 1 pm to 5 pm. Visit website for more information – www.potomacriverkeeper.org

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada- Formal Opening and Celebration of the Restoration of Hastings Creek.Vancouver will be having a major World Rivers Day event on Sept 30th at Vancouver’s Creekway Park from 10:30 to 12:30 celebrating the day-lighting and restoration of Hastings Creek, which was previously culverted and paved over more than 80 years. Stage one of this state-of-the-art stream restoration effort will be completed by late September and WRD Chair Mark Angelo, along with representatives from the Vancouver Park Board and Vancouver City Council will participate in the formal opening. Contact Michelle Larigakis, michelle.larigakis@vancouver.ca

Ohio, USA– The fabulous Maumee Bay River Festival takes place on World Rivers Day from 12 noon to 7 PM in downtown Toledo. The event includes great entertainment, river boat rides, riverside walks, educational activities and great fun for all ages. Contact – Sandy Bihn, Lake Erie Waterkeeper, Sandylakeerie@aol.com

Penampang Sabah, Malaysia - Bamboo Rafting FestivalCommunity-Led Environmental Awareness for our River (CLEAR), a community based organisation, will be organising a BAMBOO RAFTING FESTIVAL to celebrate the World Rivers day in Penampang Sabah, Malaysia. Contact Winnie Jimis for more information: winjimis@yahoo.com.

Langley, British Columbia, Canada - BC Rivers Day Community FestivalJoin the Langley Environmental Partners Society and the Township of Langley for the annual celebration of rivers on September 29th, 11 am to 2 pm! This year’s free family event at William’s Park, Langley, BC (238 St. south of 68 Ave.) offers interactive displays and activity booths. More information at: www.leps.bc.ca or 604.532.3511

Cradock, South Africa - Fish River MarathonAs river canoeists and enthusiasts who look for every opportunity to enjoy rivers while also being involved in cleaning/monitoring for pollution, etc., we celebrate these days. Our major annual River Racing event that is extremely popular in South Africa takes place in the Eastern Cape area of Cradock on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 September. Contact Jennie Dallas, jennied@highbury.co.za, for more information.

US and International waterkeepers – The Waterkeeper Alliance is approaching all member organizations both nationally and internationally about their possible participation in World Rivers Day. Details on these events will be included in an upcoming September update. Contact – Sharon Khan at skhan@waterkeeper.org

Kilby to Mission, British Columbia, Canada - World Rivers Day Paddle on the Fraser RiverIn celebration of World Rivers Day, paddle down the Fraser River with Hope Mountain Centre and the company of professional guides and explore the most productive salmon habitat found anywhere in the world. A giant flotilla of canoes, kayaks, and paddle rafts will travel 20 kilometres from Kilby to Mission. Along the way, you’ll visit the gravel bars, side channels, islands, and riparian forests that make this part of the Fraser so important to fish and wildlife. For more information visit us at www.hopemountain.org.

Rivers across Europe - Uniworld River Tours in EuropeOn the Rhine, the Danube, the Rhone, the Seine, and the Douro and other great rivers across Europe, there will be Rivers Day awareness events unfolding led by the Uniworld Cruise Line. Uniworld continues to play a leadership role in the promotion of World Rivers Day and will be making this a special day with onboard events highlighting our ongoing project, “sustainable river cruising” to preserve a most precious resource: water and the rivers. Contact Sonja Tischer, Director Program Services, GRC Global River Cruises GmbH, Tel: +41-61-638-96-86 / efax +41-61-638-96-97 / cell +49-15-222-6-999 02, email: stischer@uniworld.com / uniworld.com

New Jersey, USA – On the Woodbridge River, the New Jersey Baykeepers are planning a community day that involves kayaking and clean ups on Sat. Sept. 28. For more information, contact – Deborah A. Mans, NJ Baykeeper & Executive Director - debbie@nynjbaykeeper.org

Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada - 5th Annual Kamloops World Rivers Day Shoreline CleanupWorld Rivers Day is a day to celebrate our rivers by increasing awareness of water related issues and promoting core values associated with sustainability, conservation and river stewardship. This event will help bring a greater awareness to the rivers that we use for drinking water, industry, agriculture, residential uses and recreation. As well, it will increase awareness with historical and cultural issues. Meet at Riverside Park, Sunday, September 29th, Noon to 5 PM. More information: www.kamloops.ca/worldriversday

Abuja, Nigeria - Celebration of World Rivers Day in NigeriaThe Foundation for Conservation of Nigerian Rivers will be formally inaugurated to coincide with this year’s celebration of World Rivers Day. The new foundation wants to seize the opportunity to create awareness within Nigeria of the need to protect and restore the country’s rivers. Contact Analiefo A. Nzegwu for more information – anzegwu@yahoo.com

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada - Paddle Event at the Yellowknife RiverPaddlers for Parts will once again host a one day event at the Yellowknife river bridge, Yellowknife NT. Being fairly cool here by that time we usually have a few boats to paddle and big fire with goodies to eat at the end. Contact Greg Loftus at cominco@theedge.ca for more information.

Port Harcourt, Nigeria - Celebrating 2013 World Rivers Day in NigeriaUnder the River Ethiope Trust Foundation, founded in 1992 to protect River Ethiope, Dafe Irikefe will organise a River Conservation Essay Competition among secondary schools along River Ethiope to raise awareness among youth. In Abuja, Nigeria Dafe will also be inaugurating a new organization known as Foundation for Conservation of Nigerian Rivers to mark World Rivers Day. An inaugural lecture titled Nigerian Transformation Agenda: Where is the Place of Rivers will be delivered during the occasion and a letter advocating for a law to be enacted to protect rivers in Nigeria will delivered to Nigerian parliament. Dafe Irikefe, CEO and Founder of the River Ethiope Foundation is communicating with key stakeholders in Nigeria seeking their partnership and support for the upcoming World Rivers Day. Email: retfon@yahoo.com

Bangladesh and South Asia. – The Riverine People (www.riverinepeople.net) will be participating in World Rivers Day for the 4th consecutive year and is also working with others across South Asia to do the same. Most importantly along with some of the groups and organization we are trying to build a consensus to observe the day in a common theme for South Asia; that is Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Nepal. The Riverine People will also be publishing an edition of the quarterly Bangla journal dedicated to river issue, entitled 'Nadee'. World Rivers Day Chair Mark Angelo was interviewed for this issue. Contact – skrokon@gmail.com

Iran – The Iran Mountain Watch Group will participate in World Rivers Day for the first time and will be working to draw the attention of other NGO's to this event. Contact is Abbas Mohammadi, Mountain Watch Group – am.kouh@gmail.com

England – The organization, Thames21, will be organizing the “Cleaner Thames Challenge” from Sep 19 – 22 in the run-up to World Rivers Day. This event will focus on the on-going effort to clean up one the world’s iconic rivers. Contact – Emily.braham@thames21.org.uk

Many other events are in the planning stages from ranging from events in India focusing on the Yamuna and Ganges (contact - Gopi Duttaakash) to events in Peru focusing on that country’s great rovers and the threats confronting them (contact Hector Flores - liderazgo_indigena@yahoo.es . These and other events will be profiled in future updates.

Wednesday, 25 September 2013

Message by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

With
unsustainable consumption and climate change threatening global water
resources, this year’s World Tourism Day highlights the responsibility
of the tourism industry to safeguard and intelligently manage water. In
this International Year of Water Cooperation, I urge tourism
establishments to cut consumption and improve waste management and I
call on individuals to play their part by making environmentally
conscious choices when they travel. By making water saving a priority
we can all help to build the future we want.

Sunday, 22 September 2013

The theme was chosen in order to focus IMO’s efforts during 2013 on
carrying out the commitments made at the UN Conference on Sustainable
Development, better known as Rio+20, held in June 2012 in Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil.

In
the future, mankind's development must be able not only to meet the
needs of the present, but also allow future generations to meet their
own needs. Our development must be sustainable.

The United Nations is taking the global level role in pushing
forward efforts to give substance to the concept of sustainable
development.

A significant landmark on the road to sustainable development was
laid down last year at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable
Development (Rio+20) held in Rio de Janeiro, in June, 20 years after the
first of such conferences in the same city.

One of the main outcomes of the Rio+20 Conference was the agreement
by Member States to launch a process to develop Sustainable Development
Goals.

The World Maritime Day theme for 2013 is "Sustainable Development: IMO's contribution beyond Rio+20".

Central to any future development is the global supply chain, the
complex mechanism that enables today's inter-dependent, global economy
to function. The maritime sector is a vital link in that chain.

As the world's only really reliable, global, cost-effective and
energy-efficient mass transportation method for energy, materials, foods
and industrial products, maritime transport is central to sustainable
development. And the maritime transportation system itself must,
therefore, ensure that its development is also sustainable.

I include within this blanket term not just the operation of ships,
but all the activities that are vital to support shipping. Activities
such as the operation of maritime traffic management systems and global
communication systems, ports and multi-modal connections are all
components of this multi-faceted sector.

Also, shipbuilding and classification, ship registry and
administration, ship finance, ship repairing, ship recycling, the
education and training of seafarers, are all part of the system – as,
indeed, are search and rescue services, maritime security agencies,
coast guards and maritime law enforcement agencies and many others, too.
They all have a part to play in defining and achieving a sustainable
Maritime Transportation System.

The Maritime Transportation System already contributes
significantly to the three pillars of sustainable development – social,
environmental and economic. But how do we turn the concept of a
sustainable Maritime Transportation System into something tangible? The
first step is to identify some broad areas that we need to address if
sustainability is to be achieved. Safety; environmental protection;
efficient operation; security; and resource conservation are some of the
main areas where we will need to focus.

My colleagues and I in the IMO Secretariat are working with
industry partners and others on a concept of a sustainable Maritime
Transportation System. On World Maritime Day, I will invite interested
Member States and organizations to discuss the concept at a symposium.

This initiative will be my own contribution to celebrating this year's World Maritime Day.

And, because the Maritime Transportation System is so essential to
the continued development and future growth of the world economy, IMO
will continue to take the lead in supporting it with the appropriate
global standards and by helping to promote, through technical
co-operation, the necessary national maritime transportation policies
and institutional frameworks for a sustainable Maritime Transportation
System.

Our understanding of sustainable development today embraces a
concern both for the capacity of the earth's natural systems, and for
the social, economic and cultural challenges faced by humanity.

This year's World Maritime Day theme will highlight the importance
of the Maritime Transportation System and provide an opportunity to
discuss this matter further.

"EDUCATION FOR PEACE " is the theme of the International Day of Peace 2013

Marking
observance of the International Day of Peace, the United Nations on
Wednesday urged nations to invest in education that encourages children
to embrace global citizenship based on values of tolerance and
diversity. The theme of this year's observance is: 'Education for
Peace.' Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon rang the Peace Bell in New York,
ahead of the official observance of the Day, which falls on Saturday,
Sept 21.

The International Day of Peace is a time for reflection – a day
when we reiterate our belief in non-violence and call for a global
ceasefire. We ask people everywhere to observe a minute of silence, at
noon local time, to honour those killed in conflict and the survivors
who live with daily trauma and pain.
This year we are highlighting Education for Peace. Education
is vital for fostering global citizenship and building peaceful
societies.
In June, Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl targeted for
assassination by the Taliban for campaigning for the right to
education, came to the United Nations. Malala said: “One teacher, one
book, one pen, can change the world.” These are our most powerful
weapons.
That is why, last year, I launched the Global Education First
Initiative. Every girl and every boy deserves to receive a quality
education and learn the values that will help them to see themselves as
part of a global community.
Governments and development partners are working to get every
child in school and learning well to equip them for life in the 21st
century. There is new momentum in countries with the greatest needs,
such as those affected by conflict, which are home to half of all
children lacking education. But we must do more – much more.
Fifty-seven million children are still denied an education. Millions
more need better schooling.
Educating the poorest and most marginalized children will
require bold political leadership and increased financial commitment.
Yet aid for education has dropped for the first time in a decade. We
must reverse this decline, forge new partnerships, and bring much
greater attention to the quality of education.
On this International Day of Peace, let us pledge to teach our
children the value of tolerance and mutual respect. Let us invest in
the schools and teachers that will build a fair and inclusive world
that embraces diversity. Let us fight for peace and defend it with all
our might.

Excellencies,
Secretary General,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
We begin this year’s General Assembly- our 68th session- as we
have every year since 1981, with a tribute to peace which happens to
be the very foundation upon which this organization representing our
family of nations is built. The annual Peace Bell Ceremony is a
poignant reminder of the overarching purpose of our work to ensure a
more peaceful world. The ringing of the peace bell is also an
evocative statement of purpose guiding our collaborative efforts towards
meeting the agenda of the 68th session of the General Assembly.

This bell rings for peace at a time when so many across the
globe are struggling to eke out a living, and begin their day in the
dark and end their day in dark, hungry and terrified to face the
horror of another tomorrow. This bell rings for peace at time when
there is still conflict and bloodshed in many parts of the world.,
where there are tensions and violence born of traditional and long held
divisions, or stemming from ethnic and/or religious differences.
As we hear this bell ring, let us remember that it was the United
Nations General Assembly, that established this International Day of
Peace in an effort that all member states will recognize and reflect
upon the value of peace in world filled with everyday examples of
bloodshed, violence and war. It is a day where any countries involved
in conflict will have a day of ceasefire; where we will have a minute
of silence in which we recognize and honour the victims of war and
conflict wherever they are, and where we dedicate ourselves to work
together to promote peace.

What makes this 2013 International Day of Peace unique is that
for the first time, the Day has been dedicated by the
Secretary-General of the United Nations to peace education. Let us
remember that education is a path to growth and development for
citizens and societies, and that education that teaches the value of
peace is a key preventive means of reducing war and conflict.
One of the world’s great leaders, Nelson Mandela once said,
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the
world." It is therefore fitting that today we reflect on the role of
education as one of the important building blocks upon which peace
can be built. Education provides an opportunity to raise the veil of
ignorance that blinds us to the path of decency, respect, tolerance
and the interdependence of the human family, irrespective of country
of origin, religion or ethnicity. No serious business leader would
fail to optimise all the resources available to them. Yet, we do
exactly that when we fail to give girls and women equal access to
education, healthcare and opportunity. Let us remember that when we
educate our girl children, and when we empower women and young people
we create a more sustainable future - one which holds the real promise
of reducing poverty and ill-health and of eliminating the scourge of
gender violence.
The ringing of this peace bell today summons us all to work for
the broader cause of human development to which people everywhere are
entitled, and to build the peace in which all people and societies can
prosper. Let us not forget that peace does not occur by happenstance,
it is the product of the conscious and consistent effort of people of
good will acting together for the common good. And let us remember
that peace that is secured by hard work, dedication and commitment is a
peace that is lasting and sustainable and very much needed in this
world of ours.
Thank you.

As we implement the outcomes of the 2012 Rio+20 Conference on
Sustainable Development, the remarkable success story of the Montreal
Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer provides a beacon
of hope. It provides protection for the ozone layer, significantly
contributes to climate mitigation and reminds us that, faced with
existential threats, the nations of the world are capable of cooperation
for the common good.

My hope is that this success will inform and inspire the
international community in charting a new vision and responsive
framework for the period beyond 2015, the deadline for achieving the
Millennium Development Goals. Sustainable development -- enabled by the
integration of economic growth, social justice and environmental
stewardship -- must become our global guiding principle and operational
standard.

On this International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone
Layer, I commend all who have made the Montreal Protocol such an
outstanding example of international cooperation. I urge Governments,
industry, civil society and all other partners to apply the same spirit
to the other great environment and development challenges of our
times.

Thursday, 12 September 2013

This year’s observance of the United Nations Day for South-South
Cooperation comes amid intensifying international efforts to
accelerate progress on the achievement of the Millennium Development
Goals by the end of 2015, the internationally agreed deadline.
Concurrently, the South has assumed a greater role in the global
development landscape.

In many developing countries incomes are up,
poverty is declining and hope is rising. The goal of reducing extreme
poverty by half has been achieved. Equity in primary education --
attendance by girls and boys -- has been reached. Infant mortality has
seen tremendous decreases, with five of nine developing regions
reducing the under-five mortality rate by half. More than 2 billion
people have gained access to clean drinking water. These and other
economic achievements of the global South have given rise to a rapidly
expanding middle class adding a strong voice to demands for more
liberties, equity, decent jobs and a wide range of goods and services
that are critical to genuine human progress.

Despite these positive trends, 1.2 billion people are still
trapped in conditions of extreme poverty. Wide-ranging global
discussions are under way to define a Post-2015 development agenda that
will galvanize development efforts at all levels. Wide-ranging global
discussions are under way to define a Post-2015 development agenda that
will galvanize development efforts at all levels in the years and
decades ahead. As that agenda takes shape, the international
community is already united around the idea that South-South
cooperation should remain an integral part of the global partnership for
development.

Developing countries are turning to each other for lessons on
innovative policies and schemes to address pressing development
challenges. The Brazilian Bolsa Familia Programme, a cash transfer
model, has helped improve childhood nutrition and education in Brazil,
and the system has been successfully transplanted to Africa. India’s
National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme entitles each rural Indian
household by law to one hundred days of unskilled work per year on
public works programmes. China’s emphasis on infrastructure
development in other developing countries has resulted in improvements
in electricity supply, an increase in railway connections and reduced
prices for telecommunications services. More solutions are available
across the global South which, if adequately harnessed, could make
meaningful contributions across a range of urgent concerns, from hunger
and health to education and sustainable energy.
South-South cooperation offers real, concrete solutions to
common development challenges. Sharing best practices, funding pilot
projects in far-flung locales, providing the capital to scale-up
successful projects, supplying regional public goods, developing and
adapting appropriate technologies —these are the opportunities that the
international community needs to better leverage. On this United
Nations Day for South-South cooperation, I call on all partners to
redouble their efforts to harness the wealth of knowledge, expertise
and development thinking in the Global South.

South-South Cooperation is sweeping the globe. Find out how Unep's
South South Cooperation Exchange Mechanism is helping the southern
hemisphere find solutions for an environmentally sustainable future for
southern countries...and beyond.

Sunday, 8 September 2013

The tenth United Nations Day for South-South
Cooperation will be celebrated on 12 September 2013 highlighting the
scaling up of South-South flows of trade, investment, technology, and
know-how as an increasingly important dimension of development
co-operation.

A series of events throughout the day will include an opening
ceremony and inaugural addresses, a featured event on the India, Brazil
and South-Africa (IBSA) Fund and two panel discussions. All the events
will take place at CB Conference Room 3 at United Nations Headquarters
in New York.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (TBC), and other UN and UNDP high-level
representatives will participate in the opening ceremony at 10am.
Following their remarks, the featured event “IBSA Fund: A Flagship Initiative in South-South Cooperation” will highlight the commitment of
the IBSA Fund to poverty and hunger alleviation and how innovative
South-South partnerships are positively impacting the development
landscape” with remarks by the Permanent Representatives of IBSA Fund
countries to the UN, and Permanent Representatives of IBSA Fund partner
countries. IBSA Fund initiatives include efforts in Palestine, Laos,
Viet Nam, Guinea Bissau, Haiti, Cape Verde, and Burundi. The panel will
be followed by the launch of an exhibition and the IBSA Fund Project
Portfolio Overview.

The afternoon sessions will discuss experiences of the World Bank and
the Republic of Korea in South-South collaboration followed by a panel
on South-South sharing of Social Protection Floors, highlighting
experiences led by the International Labour Organization (ILO), and
facilitated by the People’s Republic of China and the United Nations
Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC).

"South-South cooperation has the potential to balance growth and
equity on a global scale. Even in the midst of severe economic, social
and political instabilities, South-South cooperation has continued to
drive buoyant trade and financial flows in recent years,” said
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in a Message during the UN Day of
South-South Cooperation in 2012.

“In these past ten years, we were able to develop policies that
raised global awareness in support of South-South cooperation, enable
Member States to set policies and principles, facilitate coordination
and mainstreaming of South-South Cooperation within the UN system,
enabled national governments to better manage their South-South
Cooperation initiatives, and fostered intra regional networking”, said
Yiping Zhou, Director of the United Nations Office for South-South
Cooperation.

Saturday, 7 September 2013

" Literacies for the 21st century" is the Theme for International Literacy Day 2013.

Literacy
is at the heart of basic education for all, and essential for
eradicating poverty, reducing child mortality, curbing population
growth, achieving gender equality and ensuring sustainable development,
peace and democracy.

Thursday, 5 September 2013

Charity plays an important role in upholding the values and
advancing the work of the United Nations. Donations of time or money;
volunteer engagement in one’s own community or on the other side of the
world; acts of caring and kindness with no thought of recompense;
these and other expressions of global solidarity help us in our shared
quest to live together in harmony and build a peaceful future for all.

I welcome this first observance of the International Day of Charity,
which was proclaimed last year by the United Nations General Assembly
and which coincides with the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa,
whose life and good works for some of the human family’s poorest and
most vulnerable members inspired emulation across the world.

Strangely, charity sometimes gets dismissed, as if it is
ineffective, inappropriate or even somehow demeaning to the recipient.
“This isn’t charity”, some donors take pains to claim, “this is an
investment”. Let us recognize charity for what it is at heart: a noble
enterprise aimed at bettering the human condition.
At a time when we aim to accelerate our efforts to achieve the
Millennium Development Goals and define a bold agenda for the period
beyond 2015, the role of charity can and should grow.

UN bodies such as the UN Volunteers Programme and UNICEF offer
venues for people across the world to get involved. In establishing
the Day, the General Assembly asked that charity be encouraged through
education and awareness-raising activities; initiatives such as the
United Nations Academic Impact's ASPIRE -- Action by Students to
Promote Innovation and Reform through Education -- have encouraged
young women and men to take on the responsibility of ensuring that
their less fortunate peers have the financial opportunity to go to
school. The UN’s humanitarian agencies rely on charitable donations
from the public as well as the generosity of governments to continue
their lifesaving work in response to natural disasters, armed conflicts
and other emergencies.

On this new International Day, I call on people everywhere, of all
ages, to act on the charitable impulse that resides in every human
being.

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UNIS Handbook for Journalists and 2011 Calendar

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“Chemistry – Our life, our future”, IYC 2011

United Nations activities and programmes.

United Nations observances contribute to the achievement of the purposes of the UN Charter and promote awareness of and action on important political, social, cultural, humanitarian or human rights issues. They provide a useful means for the promotion of international and national action and stimulate interest in United Nations activities and programmes. For international years and decades the UN Secretary General takes action to establish the preparatory process, evaluation and follow-up procedures.

In 1950, the General Assembly approved the first international day — Human Rights Day — to be observed on 10 December. Resolution 423 (V) invited all states and international organizations to observe this day to celebrate the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the General Assembly on 10 December 1948, and to exert increasing efforts in this field.

In 1978, the General Assembly by its resolution S-10/2 proclaimed the first international week — the week starting 24 October (the day of the founding of the UN) — as a week devoted to fostering the objectives of disarmament (Disarmament Week).

The first international year was proclaimed by the General Assembly in 1959. It was the World Refugee Year [Resolution 1285 (XIII)].

The first UN decade was the United Nations Development Decade designated by the General Assembly in 1961 [Resolution 1710 (XVI)].

1971–1980 : Second United Nations Development Decade - A/RES/2626 (XXV)

1970s : Disarmament Decade - A/RES/2602 E (XXIV)

1960–1970 : United Nations Development Decade - A/RES/1710 (XVI)

31 January

World Leprosy Day is celebrated on the last Sunday in January in over 100 countries.

02 February

The international theme 2011 is "wetlands and forests - forests for water and wetlands"

04 February

WHO estimates that 84 million people will die of cancer between 2005 and 2015 without intervention.

06 February

WHO is committed to the elimination of female genital mutilation within a generation and is focusing on advocacy, research and guidance for health professionals and health systems.

20 February

Observance of World Day of Social Justice should support efforts of the international community in poverty eradication, the promotion of full employment and decent work, gender equity and access to social well-being and justice for all.

21 February

2011 International Mother Language Day: The information and communication technologies for the safeguarding and promotion of languages and linguistic diversity

08 March

International Women Day 2011: Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women

21 March

Elimination of Racial Discrimination

21 March in Australia

Hamony Day - Everyone Belongs

22 March

Theme 2011 - Water for Cities : Responding to the Urban Challenge

24 March

04 April

Mine Awareness and assistance in Mine Action

07 April

Theme 2011 : Antimicrobial resistance and its global spread

20 April

22 April

2011 theme : Pledge your Act today!

23 April

25 April

26 April

03 May

09 May

22 May

29 May

LAW.ORDER.PEACE.

31 May

"The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control" as the theme 2011

05 June

08 June

14 June

" More Blood, More Life "

17 June

20 JUNE

25 June

26 June

11 July

28 July

The first official WHO World Hepatitis Day is marked to increase the awareness and understanding of viral hepatitis and the diseases that it causes.

1 to 7 August

Breastfeeding is the best way to provide newborns with the nutrients they need.

19 August

To pay respect to those who have died or been injured in the course of their humanitarian work.

24 August

"Water for Life "

30 August

08 September

10 September

World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September promotes worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides.

26 September

28 September

World Rabies Day highlights the impact of human and animal rabies and promotes how to prevent and stop the disease by combating it in animals.

29 September

Cardiovascular diseases are the world’s largest killers, claiming 17.1 million lives a year.

26 to 30 September

04 October

05 October

10 October

13 October

"Vision 2020: The Right to Sight",

16 October

20 October

27 October

06 November

10 November

11 November

14 November

WHO estimates that more than 220 million people worldwide have diabetes. This number is likely to more than double by 2030 without intervention.

16 November

World COPD Day is a global effort to expand understanding of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and advocate for better care for patients.

20 November

Road traffic crashes kill nearly 1.3 million people every year and injure or disable as many as 50 million more.

21 November

25 November

Violence against women and girls is a problem of pandemic proportions.

01 December

World AIDS Day on 1 December draws together people from around the world to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the pandemic.

United Nations International Days

27 January International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust A/RES/60/7

February

4 February World Cancer Day [WHO] 20 February World Day of Social Justice 21 February International Mother Language Day [UNESCO]

March

8 March International Women's Day21 March International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 21 March World Poetry Day [UNESCO] 21 March International Day of Nowruz23 March World Meteorological Day [WMO] 24 March World Tuberculosis Day [WHO] 24 March International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims 25 March International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade25 March International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members —

April

2 April World Autism Awareness Day 4 April International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 7 April Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Rwanda Genocide7 April World Health Day [WHO] 12 April International Day of Human Space Flight 22 April International Mother Earth Day 23 April World Book and Copyright Day [UNESCO]25 April World Malaria Day [WHO] 26 April World Intellectual Property Day [WIPO] 28 April World Day for Safety and Health at Work [ILO] 29 April Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare

May

Day of Vesak 3 May World Press Freedom Day 8–9 May Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War 14–15 May World Migratory Bird Day [UNEP] 15 May International Day of Families 17 May World Telecommunication and Information Society Day [ITU] 21 May World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development 22 May International Day for Biological Diversity 29 May International Day of UN Peacekeepers31 May World No-Tobacco Day [WHO]

June

4 June International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression 5 June World Environment Day [UNEP]8 June World Oceans Day 12 June World Day Against Child Labour [ILO] 14 June World Blood Donor Day [WHO] 17 June World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought20 June World Refugee Day 23 June United Nations Public Service Day 23 June International Widow’s Day25 June Day of the Seafarer [IMO] 26 June International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 26 June United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

July

2 July International Day of Cooperatives 11 July World Population Day UNDP decision 89/4618 July Nelson Mandela International Day 28 July World Hepatitis Day —30 July International Day of Friendship

August

9 August International Day of the World's Indigenous People12 August International Youth Day 19 August World Humanitarian Day 23 August International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition [UNESCO]29 August International Day against Nuclear Tests 30 August International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances

September

8 September International Literacy Day [UNESCO]10 September World Suicide Prevention Day [WHO] 15 September International Day of Democracy 16 September International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 21 September International Day of Peace 25 September World Heart Day [WHO] 27 September World Tourism Day [UNWTO] 28 September World Rabies Day [WHO] 29 September World Maritime Day [IMO]

October

1 October International Day of Older Persons 2 October International Day of Non-Violence 3 October World Habitat Day 5 October World Teachers’ Day [UNESCO]9 October World Post Day [UPU] 10 October World Mental Health Day [WHO] 13 October International Day for Disaster Reduction 13 October World Sight Day [WHO] 15 October International Day of Rural Women 16 October World Food Day [FAO] 17 October International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 24 October United Nations Day24 October World Development Information Day 27 October World Day for Audiovisual Heritage [UNESCO]

November

6 November International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict 10 November World Science Day for Peace and Development [UNESCO] 14 November World Diabetes Day [WHO]16 November International Day for Tolerance 17 November World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day [WHO] 17 November World Philosophy Day [UNESCO] 20 November Universal Children’s Day 20 November Africa Industrialization Day 20 November World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims21 November World Television Day25 November International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 29 November International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

December

1 December World AIDS Day2 December International Day for the Abolition of Slavery3 December International Day of Persons with Disabilities5 December International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development 7 December International Civil Aviation Day [ICAO] 9 December International Anti-Corruption Day 10 December Human Rights Day11 December International Mountain Day 18 December International Migrants Day 19 December United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation 20 December International Human Solidarity Day

About the United Nations

This site provides a list of the 192 Member States of the UN, data on each country, how much each country pays to the UN (see Contribution to the UN Budget), and various sources of country information (see Related Links > Information Sources)

World Water Day - 22/03/2010

Water is the source of life and the link that binds all living beings on this planet. It is connected directly to all our United Nations goals: improved maternal and child health and life expectancy, women’s empowerment, food security, sustainable development and climate change adaptation and mitigation. Recognition of these links led to the declaration of 2005-2015 as the International Decade for Action “Water for Life”.

World Tuberculosis Day - 24/03/2010

Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade - 25/03/2010

Slavery is abhorrent. It is explicitly prohibited by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the United Nations has reaffirmed this principle many times, including in the Durban Declaration adopted at the 2001 World Conference Against Racism.

But slavery and slavery-like practices continue in many parts of the world. Slavery is mutating and re-emerging in modern forms, including debt bondage, the sale of children, and the trafficking of women and girls for sex. Its roots lie in ignorance, intolerance and greed.

We must create a climate in which such abuse and cruelty are inconceivable. One way is by remembering the past and honouring the victims of the transatlantic slave trade. By reminding ourselves of past injustices, we help to ensure that such systematic abuse of human rights can never be repeated.

We see the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade in all the countries it affected. If we are wise, we will use this legacy for good. We will recognize that it is clear evidence of what can happen, if intolerance, racism and greed are allowed to triumph.

We should also take heart from those who, with great courage, succeeded in ending this institutionalized abuse. Their bravery ensured the eventual triumph of the values the United Nations represents: tolerance, justice, and respect for the dignity and worth of all human beings.

Today, we salute all the victims of slavery and we commit ourselves to ensuring that this practice, in all its forms, is eradicated.

World Book and Copyright Day - 23/04/2010

23 April is a symbolic date for world literature for on this date in 1616, Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. It is also the date of birth or death of other prominent authors such as Maurice Druon, Haldor K.Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla and Manuel Mejía Vallejo.

It was a natural choice for UNESCO's General Conference, held in Paris in 1995, to pay a world-wide tribute to books and authors on this date, encouraging everyone, and in particular young people, to discover the pleasure of reading and gain a renewed respect for the irreplaceable contributions of those who have furthered the social and cultural progress of humanity. In this respect, UNESCO created both the World Book and Copyright Day and the UNESCO Prize for Children's and Young People's Literature in the Service of Tolerance.

World Press Freedom Day - 3/05/2010

World Press Freedom Day was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in December, 1993, as an outgrowth of the Seminar on Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press. This Seminar took place in Windhoek, Namibia, in 1991 and led to the adoption of the Windhoek Declaration on Promoting Independent and Pluralistic Media (www.misanet.org/charters/windhoek.html). The Windhoek Declaration called for the establishment, maintenance and fostering of an independent, pluralistic and free press and emphasized the importance of a free press to the development and maintenance of democracy in a nation, and for economic development. World Press Freedom Day is celebrated annually on May 3rd, the date on which the Windhoek Declaration was adopted.

International Day of Families - 15/05/2010

The United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 47/237 of 20 September 1993, proclaimed that 15 May of every year shall be observed as the International Day of Families. This annual observance reflects the importance which the international community attaches to families as basic units of society as well as its concern regarding their situation around the world. The International Day of Families provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families as well as to promote appropriate action. The Day can become a powerful mobilizing factor on behalf of families in all countries, which avail themselves of this opportunity and demonstrate support of family issues appropriate to each society. (TEST2)

World No Tobacco Day - 31/05/2010

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL's MESSAGE ON WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY31 May 2009

Every year, some 5.4 million people die from illnesses caused by tobacco consumption – 80 per cent of them in low- and middle-income countries. Up to half of all smokers die from a tobacco-related disease, and science has shown that second-hand smoke harms everyone who is exposed to it. Left unchecked, tobacco-related deaths will rise to more than 8 million by 2030.

Lung cancer, heart disease and other tobacco-related illnesses are part of a broader epidemic of non-communicable diseases, which include strokes, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. These diseases have become the world’s leading cause of mortality. Sixty per cent of all deaths globally are caused by them, with women being the hardest hit.

That we continue to allow such diseases to be caused by tobacco consumption is a global tragedy. It also comes at vast expense. Economies are harmed by the costs of treating of tobacco-caused diseases and by decreased productivity due to illness and premature death, while families whose members die or become ill due to tobacco use endure an unnecessary financial burden.

On this World No Tobacco Day, I urge governments everywhere to address this needless threat to public health.

World No Tobacco Day is observed around the world every year on May 31. The member states of the World Health Organization created World No Tobacco Day in 1987. It draws global attention to the tobacco epidemic and to the preventable death and disease it causes. It aims to reduce the 3.5 million yearly deaths from tobacco related health problems.

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims - 21/11/2010

This Observance occurs on the third Sunday of November, annually

On 26 October 2005, the General Assembly invited Member States and the international community to recognize the third Sunday in November of every year as the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims as acknowledgement for victims of road traffic crashes and their families ( resolution 60/5 ).

World Television Day - 21/11/2010

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 November as World Television Day (through resolution 51/205 of 17 December 1996). This was done in recognition of the increasing impact television has on decision-making by alerting world attention to conflicts and threats to peace and security and its potential role in sharpening the focus on other major issues, including economic and social issues.

On 21 and 22 November 1996 the United Nations held the first World Television Forum, where leading media figures met under the auspices of the United Nations to discuss the growing significance of television in today's changing world and to consider how they might enhance their mutual cooperation. That is why the General Assembly decided to proclaim 21 November as World Television Day - to commemorate the date on which the first World Television Forum was held.

The celebration highlights how communications have become one of today's central international issues, not only for their relevance to the world economy, but also for their implications for social and cultural development. The celebration also underlines the ever-increasing demands faced by the United Nations to address the major issues facing humankind - and that television - as one of today's most powerful communications media, could play a role in presenting these issues to the world.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - 25/11/2010

By resolution 54/134 of 17 December 1999, the General Assembly designated 25 November as theInternational Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, andinvited governments, international organizations and NGOs to organizeactivities designated to raise public awareness of the problem on thatday. Women's activists have marked 25 November as a day againstviolence since 1981. This date came from the brutal assassination in1960, of the three Mirabal sisters, political activists in theDominican Republic, on orders of Dominican ruler Rafael Trujillo(1930-1961).

International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People - 29/11/2010

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is observed by the United Nations on or around 29 November each year, in accordance with General Assembly mandates contained in resolutions 32/40 B of 2 December 1977 , 34/65 D of 12 December 1979 , and subsequent resolutions adopted under agenda item “Question of Palestine.”

The date of 29 November was chosen because of its meaning and significance to the Palestinian people. On that day in 1947, the General Assembly adopted resolution 181 (II) ,which came to be known as the Partition Resolution. That resolution provided for the establishment in Palestine of a “Jewish State” and an“Arab State”, with Jerusalem as a corpus separatum under a special international regime. Of the two States to be created under this resolution, only one, Israel, has so far come into being.

The Palestinian people, who now number more than eight million,live primarily in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since1967, including East Jerusalem; in Israel; in neighbouring Arab States;and in refugee camps in the region.

World AIDS Day - 1/12/2010

The General Assembly, in 1988, stated its deep concern about the pandemic proportions of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Noting that the World Health Organization (WHO) had declared 1 December 1988 World AIDS Day, the Assembly stressed the importance of observing that occasion (resolution 43/15). Today, some 40 million people are living with HIV/AIDS.

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery - 2/12/2010

The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, 2 December, recalls the date of the adoption, by the General Assembly, of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and the Exploitation of Others (resolution 317 (IV) of 2 December 1949).

International Day of Persons with Disabilities - 3/12/2010

On 18 December 2007, the Assembly decided to rename the International Day of Disabled Persons, observed every year on 3 December, as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (resolution 62/127). It also called upon States that had no yet done so to consider signing and ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol as a matter of priority. The Convention was adopted on 13 December 2006.

The Assembly proclaimed the Day in 1992, at the conclusion of the United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons (1983-1992), by its resolution 47/3. The Decade had been a period of raising awareness and enacting measures to improve the situation of persons with disabilities and provide them with equal opportunities. Subsequently, the Assembly appealed to Member States to highlight the observance of the Day in order to further integrate people with disabilities into the society (resolution 47/88).

International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development - 5/12/2010

The General Assembly has invited Governments to observe the International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development on 5 December each year ( resolution 40/212 of 17 December 1985). It urged them to heighten awareness of the contribution made by volunteer service, thereby stimulating people in all walks of life to offer their services as volunteers, both at home and abroad. In 2001, the International Year of Volunteers, the Assembly adopted a set of recommendations on ways that Governments and the United Nations system could support volunteering and asked that they be widely disseminated (resolution 56/38 of 5 December 2001).

International Civil Aviation Day - 7/12/2010

In 1996, the General Assembly proclaimed 7 December as International Civil Aviation Day, and urged Governments, as well as national, regional, international and intergovernmental organizations, to take steps to observe it (resolution 51/33 of 6 December). the Day had been declared in 1992 by the Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations specialized agency, to highlight and advance the benefits of international civil aviation. Observation of the Day started on 7 December 1994 - the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, which established ICAO.

International Anti-Corruption Day - 9/12/2010

International Anti-Corruption Day

On 31 October 2003, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention against Corruption and requested that the Secretary-General designate the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as secretariat for the Convention's Conference of States parties ( resolution 58/4 ). The Assembly also designated 9 December as International Anti-Corruption Day, to raise awareness of corruption and of the role of the Convention in combating and preventing it. The Convention entered into force in December 2005.

Human Rights Day - 10/12/2010

All States and interested organizations were invited by the General Assembly in 1950 to observe 10 December as Human rights Day ( Resolution 423 (V) ). The Day marks the anniversary of the Assembly's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 and is the most important commemorative day of the human rights calendar.

International Mountain Day - 11/12/2010

The UN General Assembly designated 11 December, from 2003 onwards, as 'International Mountain Day' ( Resolution 57/245 ). This decision results from the success of the UN International Year of Mountains in 2002, which increased global awareness of the importance of mountains, stimulated the establishment of national committees in 78 countries and strengthened alliances through promoting the creation of the International Partnership for Sustainable Development in Mountain Regions, known as the 'Mountain Partnership (WSSD, Johannesburg, 2 September 2002). FAO was the designated lead coordinating agency for International Year of Mountains and is mandated to lead observance of International Mountain Day.

International Migrants Day - 18/12/2010

As recommended by the UN's Economic and Social Council (decision 2000/288 of 28 july 2000), the General Assembly has proclaimed 18 December International Migrants Day ( resolution 55/93 of 4 December 2000). On that day in 1990, the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families was adopted (resolution 45/158). The Assembly has stressed the need to make further efforts to ensure respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all migrants. It is estimated that one in every 35 persons in the world is a migrant, living and working in a country other than his or her own. All countries have migrants among their population.

United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation - 19/12/2010

On 23 December 2004, the General Assembly declared 19 December of each year as the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation ( resolution 58/220 ). This marks the date, in 1978, when the General Assembly endorsed the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries (resolution 33/134).

International Human Solidarity Day - 20/12/2010

In connection with its observance of the first United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006), the General assembly, on 22 December 2005, decided to proclaim 20 December of each year as International Human Solidarity Day ( resolution 60/209 ). In taking that action, it recalled that the Millennium Declaration identified solidarity as one of the fundamental and universal values that should underlie relations between peoples in the twenty-first century.

Holocaust Remembrance Day - 27/01/2011

Rejecting any denial of the Holocaust as a historical event, either in full or in part, the General Assembly adopted by consensus a resolution (A/RES/60/7) condemning "without reserve" all manifestations of religious intolerance, incitement, harassment or violence against persons or communities based on ethnic origin or religious belief, whenever they occur.

It decided that the United Nations would designate 27 January -– the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp -- as an annual International Day of Commemoration to honour the victims of the Holocaust, and urged Member States to develop educational programmes to instil the memory of the tragedy in future generations to prevent genocide from occurring again, and requested the United Nations Secretary-General to establish an outreach programme on the "Holocaust and the United Nations," as well as measures to mobilize civil society for Holocaust remembrance and education, in order to help prevent future acts of genocide.

The Holocaust was a turning point in history, which prompted the world to say "never again." The significance of resolution A/RES/60/7 is that it calls for a remembrance of past crimes with an eye towards preventing them in the future.

Holocaust Remembrance Day - 27/01/2011

Rejecting any denial of the Holocaust as a historical event, either in full or in part, the General Assembly adopted by consensus a resolution (A/RES/60/7) condemning "without reserve" all manifestations of religious intolerance, incitement, harassment or violence against persons or communities based on ethnic origin or religious belief, whenever they occur.

It decided that the United Nations would designate 27 January -– the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp -- as an annual International Day of Commemoration to honour the victims of the Holocaust, and urged Member States to develop educational programmes to instil the memory of the tragedy in future generations to prevent genocide from occurring again, and requested the United Nations Secretary-General to establish an outreach programme on the "Holocaust and the United Nations," as well as measures to mobilize civil society for Holocaust remembrance and education, in order to help prevent future acts of genocide.

The Holocaust was a turning point in history, which prompted the world to say "never again." The significance of resolution A/RES/60/7 is that it calls for a remembrance of past crimes with an eye towards preventing them in the future.

World Day for Social Justice - 20/02/2011

At its sixty-second session, in November 2007, the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed 20 February as World Day of Social Justice. The day is to be observed for the first time in 2009.

Member states were invited to devote this special day to the promotion of concrete national activities in accordance with the objectives and goals of the World Summit for Social Development and the twenty-fourth session of the General Assembly, entitled “World Summit for Social Development and beyond: achieving social development for all in a globalizing world”.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - 21/03/2011

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21 March. On that day, in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid "pass laws". Proclaiming the Day in 1966, the General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination (resolution 2142 (XXI)).

World Water Day - 22/03/2011

World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. This year's theme for World Water Day is "Water for Cities: Responding to the Urban Challenge.

An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day.

For more information please visit the official website or UNIC Canberra World Water Day page.

World Meteorological Day - 23/03/2011

Each year, on 23 March, the World Meteorological Organization, its 189 Members and the worldwide meteorological community celebrate World Meteorological Day around a chosen theme. This day commemorates the entry into force, on that date in 1950, of the WMO Convention creating the Organization. Subsequently, in 1951, WMO was designated a specialized agency of the United Nations System.

The Right to the Truth of Victims of Gross Human Rights Violations - 24/03/2011

On 21 December 2010, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 March as the International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims.

The purpose of the Day is to:

• Honour the memory of victims of gross and systematic human rights violations and promote the importance of the right to truth and justice;

• Pay tribute to those who have devoted their lives to, and lost their lives in, the struggle to promote and protect human rights for all;

• Recognize, in particular, the important work and values of Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero, of El Salvador, who was assasinated on 24 March 1980, after denouncing violations of the human rights of the most vulnerable populations and defending the principles of protecting lives, promoting human dignity and opposition to all forms of violence.

The UN General Assembly, in its resolution, invites all Member States, international organizations and civil society organizations and individuals, to observe the International Day in an appropriate manner.

Remembrance of Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade - 25/03/2011

The event is held annually pursuant to General Assembly resolution A/RES/62/122 of 17 December 2007, which called, inter alia, for 25 March to be designated as International Day of Remembrance of Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

The resolution requested the Secretary-General, in collaboration with UNESCO, to establish an educational outreach programme to mobilize educational institutions, civil society and other organizations to inculcate in future generations the “causes, consequences and lessons of the transatlantic slave trade, and to communicate the dangers of racism and prejudice”.

World Autism Awareness Day - 02/04/2011

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that manifests itself during the first three years of life. The rate of autism in all regions of the world is high and it has a tremendous impact on children, their families, communities and societies.

Throughout its history, the United Nations family has promoted the rights and well-being of the disabled, including children with developmental disabilities. In 2008, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities entered into force, reaffirming the fundamental principle of universal human rights for all.

The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day (A/RES/62/139) to highlight the need to help improve the lives of children and adults who suffer from the disorder so they can lead full and meaningful lives.

International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action - 04/04/2011

On 8 December 2005, the General Assembly declared that 4 April of each year shall be officially proclaimed and observed as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action (A/RES/60/97).

It called for continued efforts by States, with the assistance of the United Nations and relevant organizations, to foster the establishment and development of national mine-action capacities in countries where mines and explosive remnants of war constitute a serious threat to the safety, health and lives of the civilian population, or an impediment to social and economic development at the national and local levels.

Commemoration of the Rwanda genocide - 07/04/2011

On 7 April every year, the UN commemorates the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, where more than 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus are estimated to have been killed within a period of 100 days.

Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare - 29/04/2011

The Conference of the States Parties at its Tenth Session (paragraph 23.3 of C-10/5, dated 11 November 2005) decided that a memorial Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare would be observed on 29 April each year––the date in 1997 on which the Chemical Weapons Convention entered into force.

This commemoration will provide an opportunity to pay tribute to the victims of chemical warfare, as well as to reaffirm the commitment of theOrganization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to the elimination of the threat of chemical weapons, thereby promoting the goals of peace, security, and multilateralism.

World Press Freedom Day - 03/05/2011

World Press Freedom Day is celebrated every year on 3 May worldwide. It is an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty. "21st Century Media: New Frontiers, New Barriers" is the theme of World Press Freedom Day 2011.

By decision 48/432 of 20 December 1993, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 3 May as World Press Freedom Day. Since then, it has been celebrated each year on 3 May, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek. The document calls for free, independent, pluralistic media worldwide characterizing free press as essential to democracy and a fundamental human right.

The Declaration of Windhoek is a statement of free press principles as put together by newspaper journalists in Africa during a UNESCO seminar on “Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press” in Windhoek, Namibia, from 29 April to 3 May 1991.

International Day of Families - 15/05/2011

The International Day of Families is observed on the 15th of May every year. The Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly resolution in 1993 (A/RES/47/237) and reflects the importance the international community attaches to families. The International Day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.

In its resolution, the General Assembly also noted that the family-related provisions of the outcomes of the major United Nations conferences and summits of the 1990s and their follow-up processes continue to provide policy guidance on ways to strengthen family-centred components of policies and programmes as part of an integrated comprehensive approach to development.

The International Day of Families has inspired a series of awareness-raising events, including national family days. In many countries, that day provides an opportunity to highlight different areas of interest and importance to families. Activities include workshops and conferences, radio and television programmes, newspaper articles and cultural programmes highlighting relevant themes.

The 2011's commemoration of the International Day of Families focuses on the "Confronting Family Poverty and Social Exclusion."

World No Tobacco Day - 31/05/2011

World No Tobacco Day is celebrated around the world every year on May 31. This yearly celebration informs the public on the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, what WHO is doing to fight the tobacco epidemic, and what people around the world can do to claim their right to health and healthy living and to protect future generations.

1961- International Health and Medical Research Year

1959/60 - World Refugee Year

World Information Society Day -17/05/2010

On 27 March 2006, the General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/60/252 proclaiming 17 May as annual World Information Society Day. This Day will help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information communications technologies (ICTs) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide.

International Day Of United Nations Peacekeepers - 29/05/2010

By resolution 57/129 of 11 December 2002, the General Assembly designated 29 May as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, to pay tribute to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve in United Nations peacekeeping operations for their high level of professionalism, dedication and courage, and to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.

International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression - 4/06/2010

On 19 August 1982, at its emergency special session on the question of Palestine, the General Assembly decided to commemorate 4 June of each year as the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression (resolution ES-7/8).

World Environment Day - 5/06/2010

World Environment Day, commemorated each year on 5 June, is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.

World Oceans Day - 8/06/2010

In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly decided that, as from 2009, 8 June would be designated by the United Nations as “World Oceans Day” (resolution 63/111, paragraph 171). Many countries have celebrated World Oceans Day following the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, which was held in Rio de Janerio in 1992.

The oceans are essential to food security and the health and survival of all life, power our climate and are a critical part of the biosphere. The official designation of World Oceans Day is an opportunity to raise global awareness of the current challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans.

The theme of the inaugural observance of the World Oceans Day by the United Nations in 2009 is “Our Oceans, Our Responsibility”. The Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, in cooperation with the Department of Public Information, is organizing a number of events and activities at United Nations Headquarters in New York on 8 June 2009. http://www.un.org/Depts/los/reference_files/worldoceansday.htm

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought - 17/06/2010

The World Day to Combat Desertification, celebrated each year on June 17, is part of an international campaign by the United Nations to tackle global environmental deterioration, in particular the degradation of drylands. The day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.

The General Assembly therefore decided that, from 2001, 20 June would be celebrated as World Refugee Day.

This year the UN refugee agency, in its 60th year, will mark World Refugee Day with a rich and varied programme of events in locations worldwide and the launch of a new global awareness campaign. UNHCR will start rolling out the multimedia "One" campaign next week. Over the next six months it will increase awareness about the forcibly displaced and stateless by telling their powerful personal stories. The campaign will carry the message that "One Refugee Without Hope is too Many." Every day, millions of refugees face murder, rape and terror. We believe even 1 is too many.

Where to find UNPAN?

The UNPAN system is centred at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and draws upon existing regional/subregional institutions devoted to public administration and finance in the context of social and economic development. So far, it is comprised of the following online regional centres (ORCs): eight in Africa and three in the Arab States, four in Asia and the Pacific, four in Latin America and the Caribbean, four in Europe, and six in North America.

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking - 26/06/2010

By resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987, the General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. This resolution recommended further action with regard to the report and conclusions of the 1987 International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

International Day of the World's Indigenous People - 9/08/2010

By resolution 49/214 of 23 December 1994, the General Assembly decided to celebrate the International Day of the World's Indigenous People on 9 August every year during the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People. In 2004 the Assembly proclaimed a Second International Decade by resolution 59/174. The goal of this Decade is to further strengthen international cooperation for the solution of problems faced by indigenous people in such areas as culture, education, health, human rights, the environment, and social and economic development.

International Youth Day - 12/08/2010

The General Assembly on 17 December 1999 in its resolution 54/120, endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August 1998) that 12 August be declared International Youth Day. The Assembly recommended that public information activities be organized to support the Day as a way to promote better awareness of the World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond, adopted by the General Assembly in 1995 (resolution 50/81).

World Humanitarian Day - 19/08/2010

In December 2008, the General Assembly voted to observe World Humanitarian Day each year on 19 August, dedicated to increasing public understanding of humanitarian assistance activities worldwide and to honour humanitarian workers who have lost their lives or been injured in the course of their work.

The date coincides with the anniversary of the terrorist attack on the United Nations Office in Iraq in 2003, in which 22 people died. Among them was Sergio Vieira de Mello, at that time the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Iraq.

The General Assembly invites all countries, the UN system and international and non-governmental organizations to observe the day annually in an appropriate manner.

For 2009, the Day has three objectives:• To draw attention to humanitarian needs worldwide;• To acknowledge the ongoing work of humanitarian staff around the globe;• To honour those who have lost their lives in humanitarian service.

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition - 23/08/2010

The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, 2 December, recalls the date of the adoption, by the General Assembly, of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others [Resolution 317 (IV) of 2 December 1949]. The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition is celebrated every 23rd of August.

World Space Week - 4/09/2010

By resolution 54/68 of 6 December 1999, the General Assembly proclaimed World Space Week, to be observed between 4 and 10 October, to celebrate the contributions of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition. The dates recall the launch, on 4 October 1957, of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik I, and the entry into force, on 10 October 1967, of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space.

International Day of Democracy - 15/09/2010

On 8 November 2007, by Resolution A/Res/62/7, the General Assembly proclaimed 15 September as the International Day of Democracy, inviting Member States, the United Nations system and other regional, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to commemorate the Day. The International Day of Democracy provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world. Democracy is as much a process as a goal and only with the full participation of and support by the international community, the national governing bodies, civil society and individuals, can the ideal of democracy be made into a reality to be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere.

International Day For the Preservation of the Ozone Layer - 16/09/2010

On 19 December 1994, by A/RES/49/114, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 16 September the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the date, in 1987, on which the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed. States are invited to devote the Day each year to promote, at the national level, activities in accordance with the objectives of the Montreal Protocol and its amendments.

International Day of Peace - 21/09/2010

The International Day of Peace was first established in 1981 by resolution 36/67 of the United Nations General Assembly to coincide with its opening session every September. In 2001 resolution 55/282 was strengthened to fix the date annually on 21 September and for it to be a day of nonviolence and cease-fire. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the Member States of the General Assembly.

World Maritime Day - 24/09/2010

Every year IMO celebrates World Maritime Day. The exact date is left to individual Governments but is usually celebrated during the last week in September. The day is used to focus attention on the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and the marine environment and to emphasize a particular aspect of IMO's work.

64th Session of the United Nations General Assembly - 28/09/2010

The General Assembly of the United Nations opened its sixty-fourth session on 15 September at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The annual general debate, which traditionally features statements by Heads of State and Government as well as Ministers, began on Wednesday, 23 September 2009, and concludes on 30 September 2009.

Established in 1945 under the Charter of the United Nations, the General Assembly occupies a central position as the chief deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations. Comprising all 192 Members of the United Nations, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter. It also plays a significant role in the process of standard-setting and the codification of international law. The Assembly meets in regular session intensively from September to December each year, and thereafter as required.

Secretary-General Message International Year of Older Persons - 1/10/2010

On 14 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly (by resolution 45/106) designated 1 October the International Day of Older Persons.

This was preceded by initiatives such as the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing - which was adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing - and endorsed later that year by the UN General Assembly.

In 1991, the General Assembly (by resolution 46/91) adopted the United Nations Principles for Older Persons.

In 2002, the Second World Assembly on Ageing adopted the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population ageing in the 21st century and to promote the development of a society for all ages.

The theme of the year 2010's commemoration is "Older persons and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)". This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the UN International Day of Older Persons.

International Day of Non-Violence - 2/10/2010

Reaffirming the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence, and desiring to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence, the General Assembly has decided to observe 2 October as the International Day of Non-Violence. By its resolution 61/271 of 15 June 2007, the Assembly invited all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, regional and non-governmental organizations and individuals to commemorate the Day in an appropriate manner and to disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness.

The resolution originated from a Declaration adopted at the “International Conference on Peace, Non-Violence and Empowerment -- Gandhian Philosophy in the 21st Century”. Mahatma Gandhi was born on 2 October 1869.

World Habitat Day - 5/10/2010

By Resolution A/RES/40/202 the United Nations has designated the first Monday in October every year as World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of human settlements and the basic right to adequate shelter for all. It is also intended to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat.

World Teachers Day - 5/10/2010

World Teachers' Day was inaugurated by UNESCO in 1994 to focus attention on the extraordinary contributions and achievements of teachers. The Day is celebrated internationally on October 5, the day in 1966 on which a joint UNESCO/ILO conference adopted a recommendation on the Status of Teachers.

World Post Day - 9/10/2010

World Post Day is celebrated each year on 9 October, the anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union in 1874 in the Swiss Capital, Bern. It was declared World Post Day by the UPU Congress held in Tokyo, Japan in 1969. Since then, countries across the world participate annually in the celebrations. The Posts in many countries use the event to introduce or promote new postal products and services.

World Mental Health Day - 10/10/2010

World Mental Health Day is celebrated on 10 October each year. It is an internationally recognised day to promote mental health and wellbeing around the world.

International Day For Natural Disaster Reduction - 14/10/2010

By resolution 44/236 (22 December 1989), the General Assembly designated the second Wednesday of October International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction. The International Day was to be observed annually during the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction, 1990-1999. In 2001, the General Assembly decided to maintain the observance of the International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction on the second Wednesday of October (resolution 56/195 of 21 December), as a vehicle to promote a global culture of natural disaster reduction, including disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness.

International Day of Rural Women - 15/10/2010

The General Assembly has declared that 15 October of each year shall be officially proclaimed and observed as the International Day of Rural Women. By its resolution 62/136 of 18 December 2007, the Assembly urged Member States, in collaboration with the organizations of the United Nations and civil society, to undertake measures to improve the situation of rural women, including indigenous women, in their national, regional and global development strategies.

These measures include: creating an enabling environment to improve the situation of rural women; pursuing their political and socio-economic empowerment; supporting their full and equal participation in decision-making at all levels; integrating a gender perspective in the design, implementation, follow-up and evaluation of development policies and programmes; addressing their specific health needs; ensuring the rights of older women in rural areas to basic social services; mobilizing resources for increasing women’s access to existing savings and credit schemes; and integrating increased employment opportunities for rural women in all international and national development and poverty eradication strategies.

World Food Day - 16/10/2010

The aim of World Food Day, proclaimed in 1979 by the Conference of the FAO of the United Nations, is to heighten public awareness of the world food problem and strengthen solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty. The Day marks the date of the founding of the FAO in 1945. In 1980, the General Assembly endorsed observance of the Day in consideration of the fact that “food is a requisite for human survival and well-being and a fundamental human necessity” (resolution 35/70 of 5 December).

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty - 17/10/2010

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty has been observed every year since 1993, when the General Assembly, by resolution 47/196, designated this day to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries, particularly in developing countries - a need that has become a development priority.

24-30 Oct Disarmament Week

The annual observance of Disarmament Week, which begins on the anniversary of the founding of the Untied Nations, was called for in the Final Document of the General Assembly 1978 special session on disarmament (resolution S-10/2). States were invited to highlight the danger of the arms race, propagate the need for its cessation and increase public understanding of the urgent tasks of disarmament.

In 1995, the Assembly invited Governments, as well as non-governmental organizations, to continue taking an active part in Disarmament Week (resolution 50/72 B of 12 December). It invited the Secretary-General to continue using the United Nations information entities as widely as possible to promote a better understanding among the public of disarmament problems and the aims of the Week.

World Development Information Day - 24/10/2010

The United Nations General Assembly instituted World Development Information Day at its twenty-seventh session in December 1972 (A/Res/3038 XXVII) with the object of drawing the attention of world public opinion each year to development problems and the necessity of strengthening international co-operation to solve them. The General Assembly also decided that World Development Information Day should coincide, in principle, with United Nations Day to stress the central role of development in the work of the United Nations.

World Diabetes Day - 14/11/2010

Welcoming the fact that the International Diabetes Federation has been observing World Diabetes Day globally since 1991, with co-sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO), the General Assembly, on 20 December 2006, designated 14 November, the current World Diabetes Day, as a United Nations Day, to be observed every year beginning in 2007 ( resolution 61/225 ).

Recognizing that diabetes is a chronic, debilitating and costly disease which poses serious challenges to development, the Assembly encouraged Member States to develop national policies for its prevention, treatment and care in line with the sustainable development of their health-care systems, taking account of internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals.

The Assembly also invited all Member States, relevant organizations of the United Nations system and other international organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to observe World Diabetes Day in an appropriate manner, including through education and the mass media.

United Nations Day - 24/10/2010

The anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Charter -- 24 October 1945 -- has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948. It has traditionally been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions and exhibits on the achievements and goals of the Organization. In 1971, the General Assembly recommended that Member States observe it as a public holiday (resolution 2782 (XXVI)).

Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict - 6/11/2010

On 5 November 2001, the General Assembly declared 6 November of each year as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict ( resolution 56/4 ). In taking this action, it considered that damage to the environment in times of armed conflict impairs ecosystems and natural resources long after the period of conflict, often extending beyond the limits of national territories and the present generation.

International Day for Tolerance - 16/11/2010

In 1996, the General Assembly invited Member States to observe the International Day for Tolerance on 16 November, with activities directed towards both educational establishments and the wider public ( resolution 51/95 of 12 December). This action came in the wake of the United Nations Year for Tolerance, 1995, proclaimed by the Assembly in 1993 (resolution 48/126). The Year had been declared on the initiative of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); on 16 November 1995, the UNESCO member States had adopted the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance and Follow-up Plan of Action for the Year.

World Philosophy Day - 18/11/2010

Celebrated at UNESCO’s initiative every third Thursday of November since 2002, World Philosophy Day will take place this year on 18 November 2010.

World Philosophy Day was introduced in 2002 by UNESCO to honour philosophical reflection in the entire world by opening up free and accessible spaces. Its objective is to encourage the peoples of the world to share their philosophical heritage and to open their minds to new ideas, as well as to inspire a public debate between intellectuals and civil society on the challenges confronting our society.

Universal Children's Day - 20/11/2010

The General Assembly recommended in 1954 (resolution 836 (IX)) that all countries institute a Universal Children's Day, to be observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children and of activity promoting the welfare of the world's children. It suggested to Governments that the Day be observed on the date which each considers appropriate. The date of 20 November marks the day in which the Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rigths of the Child, in 1959, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, in 1989.

In Australia, Universal Children's Day is celebrated every year on the 4th Wednesday in October.

Africa Industrialization Day - 20/11/2010

Within the framework of the Second Industrialization Development Decade for Africa (1991-2000), the General Assembly proclaimed 20 November as Africa Industrialization Day ( resolution 44/237 of 22 December 1989). The Day is intended to mobilize the commitment of the international community to the industrialization of Africa.